Storybook Café: A new chapter for a storied space

Storybook co-owner Mackenzie Killmer with her mom, Vincenza

Natalia Zukerman

Storybook Café: A new chapter for a storied space

PINE PLAINS — “The essence of the people that came before us is still here, but with our spin,” said Mackenzie Killmer, the co-owner of the new Storybook Cafe.

“In my lifetime, I can remember it being the Peppermill, The Mountain Cow, The Platter in different variations, and then Rosey’s. And I just really wanted it to be different,” said Killmer.

Storybook Café is different. It’s light and spacious while still being cozy. But Storybook Café is also, thankfully, the same. While Pine Plains has an impressive amount of very good restaurants, the closing of Rosey’s marked the end of the neighborhood coffeeshop, an integral focal point in a small town.

Killmer has had a lifelong dream of opening such a coffeeshop, but she didn’t think it would be for at least another 10 years. The dream took shape unexpectedly, thanks in part to Jamie, the former owner of Rosey’s. As fate would have it, Jamie offered Killmer and her wife, Jess, a chef at Noble Horizons, the lease for Rosey’s, presenting an opportunity too good to pass up.

Killmer and Jess took the plunge. In just four months, they have transformed the space once again into the new, old neighborhood cafe.

“It’s been less than a year since Jamie and I had that conversation,” Killmer mused, “And we’re, like, up and running, and it’s a thing! I’m exhausted because I’m not a morning person,” she laughed. “But it’s all happening.”

Killmer grew up in Pine Plains, where her family owned the beloved Lia’s Mountain View Café, which closed its doors in December 2023 after over 40 years. “I grew up literally at the Mountain View,” said Killmer. “My playpen was in the pizza room. I got off the school bus there. I was the kid that cried at snow days because that meant I’d spend the whole day at the Mountain View.”

Her experience in restaurants has primed Killmer for this new endeavor, making her more than ready for a dream she didn’t think would be a reality for many years. Open for just two weeks, the bookstore/café already has regulars. In fact, there’s a wall of mugs where people can come in and pick out their favorite, giving them a sense of belonging and home. Starting out with breakfast favorites and the usuals, they’re already expanding into a lunch menu because, said Killmer, “That’s what people want.”

Friends and relatives make up the kind and friendly staff, with Killmer’s mother, Vincenza, “Vinny,” behind the counter. They plan on having Lia’s Mountain View-themed menus in the future.

“We’re easing into it,” Killmer sighed, “But come spring, we’re going to do lots of stuff.”

Killmer spoke excitedly about plans for a children’s storytime, poetry readings, book clubs, trivia nights and local author signings, among other events. They’ve already implemented some wonderful programs. Killmer said, “Starting Feb. 1, every month, we’ll have a local charity and 25% of all book sales will get donated to that charity.” Paperbacks are listed at $8, hardcovers are $10, and children get a free book every time they come in. Said Killmer: “I don’t think kids should pay to read, so they can take a book for free, but they have to read it. And that’s the only rule.”

In just two weeks, Storybook Café has become more than a place to grab a cup of coffee; it’s a testament to lifelong dreams realized, community bonds strengthened, and the enduring magic of books. As the pages of this story continue to unfold, Pine Plains is the lucky recipient of a new favorite spot. Killmer shared her excitement and many plans for the future, but most importantly, she shared, “I just want it to be a neighborhood spot for everyone, a place for people to hang out and feel comfortable.”

Storybook Café is located at 2987 Church St. in Pine Plains. It’s open Wednesday through Monday for breakfast. For more information and to book events, email kenzie@storybook-cafe.com. Follow on Instagram and Facebook @StorybookCafeNY

Latest News

School budgets pass amid strong turnout in May 20 polling

With robust voter turnout throughout the region, proposed 2025-26 education budgets passed handily, along with their additional propositions, in the polling held on Tuesday, May 20.

Webutuck Central School District

By a margin of 173 to 103, voters approved the 2025-26 budget totaling $28,665,850, an increase of 5.96% over the current year. After expected revenues are factored in, the amount to be raised by local taxes is $19,403,307, a 5.27% increase over the current year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook names top-ranked scholars

Amber Concannon

Photo provided

MILLBROOK — Strong leadership skills and confidence in communication are evident contributors to Amber Concannon having earned her designation as Valedictorian of the Millbrook High School Class of 2025.

“I have truly loved my time at Millbrook,” Amber said of her Millbrook schooling that began when she was enrolled in kindergarten.

Keep ReadingShow less
Village Trustees hear call to adopt law to limit local cooperation with ICE

Barbara Graham of Millerton speaks to Village trustees, Mayor Jenn Najdek and Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik during a May 21 special meeting.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton board of trustees held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 21 that drew an unusually large crowd. Nearly 20 residents and supporters showed up to urge officials to adopt a local law aimed at protecting immigrants, including undocumented community members.

The law, as proposed by meeting attendees, would limit cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Amenia gathers at Fountain Square

A traditional Memorial Day observance to honor the fallen was held Fountain Square on Monday, May 26. The ceremony included an Honor Guard from the Wassaic Fire Company standing by the Veterans’ Memorial Wall.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — The community gathered at Fountain Square under sunny skies on Monday, May 26, for a Memorial Day ceremony to honor the fallen who bravely served their country. Remembrances, tributes, prayers and music combined to create the fitting annual tribute.

An Honor Guard from VFW Post #5444 of Dover Plains presented the colors at the start of the ceremony that began promptly at 11 a.m. with a welcome from VFW Commander Nick Woodard to the more than 100 who had gathered.

Keep ReadingShow less